Digital Commons Network^™

Quality Assurance Issues In The Delivery Of Assistive Technology Services, Donald N. Olson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This independent study report provides an overview of the current state of the field of assistive technology for persons who have significant disabilities.

The field is extremely broad, and encompasses both low and high technology. Personnel working in field are diverse as well, representing nearly a dozen different disciplines. Two key issues confronting the collective field are professional education and credentialing.

In general, pre service professional programs do little to prepare students to deal with technological interventions. Some professionals who want to improve their competence in this area are doing so through graduate or post-graduate study, workshop attendance, or clinical …

The Effectiveness Of Back School, Suzanne R. Sandsmark

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Four of five people suffer from low-back pain sometime during their lifetime. The nuaber of people with disabling back pain in the United States has increased by 168\ from 1971 to 1981. The purpose of this independent study report is to determine whether back school is as effective means of educating patients about proper back care; and whether back school helps prevent further back injury.

Back school clients at the Broadway Health Centre from July 15. 1992 to October 1. 1992 were invited to participate in this study. In addition. patients with back injuries referred to the Broadway Health Centre …

An Overview Of Transfemoral Socket Designs, Bradley C. Wehe

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

In the field of amputee rehabilitation, there are many variables that determine if the outcome is one of success. A large part of the process evolves from the type of prosthesis that is recommended for the amputee. With the advent of new technology, we are faced with the problem of deciding on the proper components that will make up the prosthesis. The complexity of artificial limbs has increased over the past years as the concept of suction componentry has evolved.

We are now faced with multiple types and styles of transfemoral socket designs and suspensions. A literature review was performed …

The Intervertebral Disc And Low Back Pain, Bruce H. Wessman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Low back pain has an enormous socioeconomic impact in this country. Even with advancement in diagnostic technology, the incidence and severity of low back pain continues to increase. The intervertebral disc plays an important causative role in the production of low back pain. The intervertebral disc may cause direct discogenic pain by mechanical and/or chemical irritation of the nociceptor receptors found within the outer one-third of the annulus fibrosis, or cause back pain by an indirect method. The incidence of low back pain is first reported around the age of 25 and is most prevalent from ages 35-60. It is …

Wound Care For Facial Burns, Barbara E. Wilson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

More severely burned patients are surviving thermal burn injuries due to advances in medicine. A burn on any area of the body requires appropriate wound management. However, facial burns present with unique problems as the face is constantly exposed to society and the environment.

The purpose of this paper is to provide physical therapists with facial burn wound care and rehabilitation. Knowledgeable physical therapists are needed as members of rehabilitation teams to return facially burned patients to optimal functional and cosmetic levels.

Burn wounds are closely monitored, cleaned, and debrided to minimize infection. Skin care and patient education begins once …

An Analysis And Prediction Of A Patient-Focused Health Care Delivery System On The Practice Of Physical Therapy, Stephen M. Rood

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this independent study is to look at physical therapy's role within a new health care delivery system called patient-focused care (FCC). It supplies information on the status of our current health care industry and offers overwhelming support on requests for change. There is a comprehensive, comparative analysis of the current health care delivery system and that of the new experimental patient-focused health care delivery system. It offers a comparison of six major components in each model, such as physical structure, reporting structure, and process and procedures in job description, plans of care, scheduling, and cross training. Finally, …

Normative Data Of Cervical Spine Range Of Motion In The Elderly, Lisa J. Caspers

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purposes of this study were to develop normal values for cervical active range of motion and to determine whether age and gender affect cervical active motions. Sixty-one independent elderly individuals (36 females and 25 males), whose ages ranged from 60 to 90 years, voluntarily participated in this investigation. Six cervical active motions: flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion, and right and left rotation, were taken by one physical therapist with the CROM device. Generally, between age groups, mean AROM values indicated losses in all cervical motions, with the exception of flexion. Among male and female subjects, extension, left …

Intertester Reliability Using The Cybex Edi 320® Inclinometer, Schawnn M. Decker

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The American Medical Association (AMA) currently accepts range of motion measurements, particularly spinal measurements obtained by an inclinometer, as reliable and accurate. Reproducibility of intra-subject results are considered high, but intertester reliability has not been addressed.

With the help of three physical therapists trained in the use of the Cybex EDI 320® inclinometer, 10 subjects were tested on three consecutive days by each tester to obtain measurements of lumbar flexion, corresponding hip flexion, lumbar extension, corresponding hip extension, and lateral flexion. Straight leg raise measurements were also obtained for validity measurements as requested by the AMA.

Results of this study …

Progressive Resistive Weight Training And The Deconditioned Elderly Patient, Blaine Fercho

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical conditioning to improve levels of functional independence is a key rehabilitation process for many elderly adults. This Independent Study is a review of published information concerning exercise for the elderly population with special attention focused on progressive resistive weight training. The inclusion and participation in exercise has been shown to provide many benefits for improving physiological systems' functioning, and also reduce the systems' natural age decline. Exercise participation is therefore highly beneficial; whether it is aerobic, weight training, or recreational activity. Progressive resistive weight training provides the gains of a strengthening program and allows for endurance/aerobic training through the …

A Guideline To Preemployment Screening, Jeanne M. Hall

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This paper presents a literature review of ways to reduce the cost of Worker's Compensation Claims. Years reviewed are 1976 through 1992. Methods reviewed in this paper include preemployment screening, preplacement screening, job analysis, Ergonomics as it relates t o preemployment screening, and the legal aspects of preemployment/replacement screening. Guidelines are given for formulation of preplacement screening.

A Comprehensive Back Education Program In Industry, Julie L. Hamalainen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Chronic low back pain is not a new phenomenon plaguing the medical community. Eighty percent of the adult population will at some time be affected by low back pain. Back pain is the leading cause of compensable injury in industries nationwide, with related cost projections ranging from 16-30 billion dollars per year being spent on health care, workers' compensation, and lost work time.

The industrial community has been responding to these facts with various programs. Literature supports programs with a comprehensive approach versus those with a limited or more narrow focus. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the …

The Motor Control Theory And How It Is Being Incorporated Into Present Physical Therapy Curricula, Laurie Toulouse Jung

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The Motor Control Model or Theory is a conglomeration of recent studies by professionals and scientists from a wide variety of fields. This theory on motor control consists of concepts and ideas that can be used by therapists to treat neurologically impaired patients. Its theories are different from the traditional Facilitation Model theories which are based on Rood, Brunnstrom, PNF, and NOT. Because the Motor Control Theory is a new and valuable tool for physical therapists to use in the clinic, it is important that it be introduced to present and future physical therapists.

The purpose of this study was …

The Foot, Our Base Of Support, Sandra G. Lunde

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this independent study was to consolidate information on biomechanics of the foot and ankle and the possible effects on the rest of the body of faulty mechanics. A literature search and specialized continuing education contributed to improved working knowledge of the significance of variations of the normal biomechanics. The physical therapist relates to the patient through complaints of foot pain, or through foot evaluation to get to other sites of pain. A thorough evaluation process, shoe recommendations, stretching, and/or strengthening exercises, and orthotic evaluation are the results of study.

Guidelines For Physical Therapy Practice In An Educational/School Setting: Documentation, Sara N. Masilko

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to thoroughly review the various documentation requirements and uses in both clinical and educational settings, with the final outcome being to establish the documentation portion of the Guidelines for Physical Therapy Practice in the Educational/School Setting for the State of North Dakota.

A thorough search was made of national and state level requirements, educational setting guidelines from other states, and the uses of the problem-oriented medical record.

A good understanding of the problem-oriented medical record format is invaluable as a communication tool which can be effectively applied in either setting. The use of monthly …

Muscleworks: A Computer-Assisted Study Tool For Muscle Function And Anatomy, Neil H. Otto

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This independent study report reviews the advantages and disadvantages of computer assisted instruction (CAl), the criteria for justifying CAl development and examples of CAl in anatomy. Basic information regarding representative software packages is provided. A detailed description of MuscleWorks, the author's Appleworks-based data base of the muscular system is given, which includes justification, applications, and step-by-step instructions for most effective use. Sample questions and answers are provided. Printouts of each screen display utilized in the given examples are also furnished.

The author concludes that no other software package closely resembling MuscieWorks is currently being marketed, and that use of the …

Qualifications, Roles, Advanced Competencies, And Job Descriptions For Physical Therapy Services In The Public School/Educational Setting, Anne G. Putbrese

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The North Dakota Physical Therapy Association, the state professional organization for physical therapy practice, asked several of its members involved in the area of pediatric practice to develop guidelines for physical therapy practice in the public school setting in North Dakota. Eleven physical therapists met to give input on developing these guidelines. A list of topics to include in the guidelines was generated, and several therapists volunteered to research and develop one or several of the topics on the list. This independent study report developed information on the topics of qualifications, roles, advanced competencies, and job descriptions for physical therapy …

Progression Of Vascular Disease In The Diabetic Lower Extremity, Kathleen Reinecke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Diabetes mellitus is a major health care issue affecting thousands of people each year. As medical research strives for a better understanding of diabetes, the life expectancy of diabetics is increasing, and the complications associated with this disease process become more evident. Vascular disease has specific clinical manifestations as related to diabetes. It is the progression of arterial insufficiency in the vascular disease of diabetics that will be discussed in this study. The risk factors identified in diabetic vascular disease are presented as is their overall effect in the disease process. Current concepts of noninvasive vascular testing in the diabetic …

Pediatric Physical Therapy Assessment In North Dakota, Joellen W. Roller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The Pediatric Physical Therapists in the state of North Dakota have developed Guidelines of Practice. As part of this process, there was a need for a through review of the assessment and evaluation information used by pediatric therapists. This independent study report should fill that need. By reviewing the literature, information was gathered on how to assess evaluation instruments and the scope information a review of of was two the instrumentation available. This then organized into five categories with or three tests in each category. A total of 14 standardized tests are reviewed. A description of each test is provided, …

Interexaminer Reliability Of The Mckenzie Algorithm For The Evaluation Of Cervical Pain, Eric Rikio Sakamoto

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the interexaminer reliability of the McKenzie algorithm. Thirty-one subjects (25 females and 6 males), ages 20 to 77, with reported neck pain participated in this study. Each subject was examined twice by two McKenzie trained physical therapists. The subjects were evaluated separately utilizing standard McKenzie Cervical Assessment formats and procedures. Upon completion of the assessment, each therapist used an adapted McKenzie cervical algorithm to classify each patient into one of the possible syndromes (Postural, Dysfunction, or Derangements 1-7). Only five diagnostic categories contained enough data to accurately examine reliability and, therefore, coefficient …

Specificity Of Discharge Exercise Programs And Behavioral Contracting For Physical Therapy Patients, Kevin L. Spooner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Adherence to discharge home exercise programs has statistically shown poor results. The purpose of this independent study is to review present-day discharge exercise programs for physical therapy, and to offer alternatives for better adherence (or compliance) and effectiveness.

A brief history of physical therapy and exercise programs is reviewed to outline the progression of the two topics. Behavioral contracting is a strategy used by health professionals to improve patient/client adherence to health regimes. The patient/client signs a contract indicating they will follow the guidelines outlined in their discharge exercise program.

Presently, the most optimal discharge exercise program involves specificity of …

Systemic Joint Hypermobility And Maximum Mandibular Opening, Ted D. Thomas

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine whether people with generalized joint hypermobility also demonstrate hypermobility at the temporomandibular joint. In addition, an attempt was made to determine the relationship between general joint mobility, gender, temporomandibular joint symptoms, and oral parafunction.

Forty-seven physical therapy students worked in pairs under supervision to measure and record: 1) the Beighton hypermobility criteria, 2) maximum mandibular range of motion, and 3) a questionnaire of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and oral parafunctional habits.

The mean Beighton score for males was 1.21 and for females 2.14. Twelve out of the forty-seven subjects (15.5%) had a Beighton …

A Review Of Two Pelvic Osteotomies Used In The Management Of Congenital Hip Dislocation, Marcia A. Wehe

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This paper is a literature search of two common pelvic osteotomies used in the treatment/management of congenital hip dislocation. The Chiari and Salter procedures are reviewed along with their use in restoring normal hip joint, congruency, indication for use, and success rates. The Chiari procedure displaces the acetabulum medially and has the best results in children over four years of age or when the acetabulum is too small for the femoral head. A Salter procedure redirects the entire acetabulum and is optimal for subluxations one and one-half years to adult or dislocations one and one-half to six years.

A Comparison Of Concentric And Eccentric Resistance Training On Muscle Hypertrophy, Mark A. Romanick

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study was undertaken to determine whether concentric or eccentric muscle action was more likely to induce muscle hypertrophy when exposed to a prolonged heavy resistance exercise program. Fifteen males and 14 females who were not currently or recently involved in a heavy resistance training program for the lower extremities were selected for the study. One group (n = 10) exercised in a concentric fashion, another group (n = 9) exercised in an eccentric fashion, and a third group (n = 10) served as a control group, performing no resistive exercise. The exercising subjects performed three sets of 10 repetitions …

Development, Validation, And Reliability Evaluation Of A Functional Classification System, Christine S. Eixenberger

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Due to accountability, cost/benefit, and third party payers, it was necessary to develop an objective measurement of functional abilities of rehab patients. In Part I of the research, "Development of a Functional Classification System for a Rehabilitation Unit at St. Alexius Medical Center," a Functional Classification System (FCS) was developed and edited; however, the validity and reliability of the new FCS had to be justified.

Forty-seven patients admitted onto the St. Alexius Rehabilitation Unit between November 1992 and January 1993 were evaluated using version three of the FCS and objectively scored. Validity was tested between admit, discharge, and goal scores …

Effects Of Aerobic Training In Adolescents With Down Syndrome, A. Lynn Millar, Bo Fernhall, Lee N. Burkett

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects that aerobic training has on adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome. Fourteen individuals with Down syndrome (mean age = 17.7 yr) participated in a 10-wk walking/jogging exercise training study. A pre- and post-training walking treadmill test was performed to determine the following parameters: peak oxygen uptake (VO2, absolute and relative), minute ventilation (VE, l•min-1), heart rate HR, b•min-1), RER (VCO2/VO2), and time and grade to exhaustion. Following the pre-training evaluations, subjects were assigned to a control group (N = 4) or an exercise group (N= 10). The exercise group …

Isokinetic Shoulder Strength Of Women Softball Players: A Pilot Study, Karen A. Kuffel, Diane J. Potter

Masters Theses

The purpose of this pilot study was to provide isokinetic shoulder strength data on college women softball players. Ten women ranging in age from 18 to 21 years old were tested. The Cybex II+, U.B.X.T. and HUMAC system were utilized to test the strength of external rotators, internal rotators, horizontal abductors, and horizontal adductors at 90, 180, and 300 deg/sec. Mean peak torque values were consistently greater in the dominant arm but there were no statistically significant differences in agonist to antagonist ratios between arms. The ratios of external rotators to internal rotators were consistently 2:3 while the ratios of …

Utilization Of Community Based Health Care Services By The Well Elderly, Rachelle Hesselberg, Kristen Wagner, Yolanda Zimmerman

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if the elderly used community based health care services, to which they had been referred, following discharge from an acute hospital stay. The sample consisted of twenty elderly recruited from various senior centers in the West Michigan area. Of the respondents surveyed, 18 out of 20 were Caucasian. The average age of respondents was 73 years old. Of the services surveyed, all were under utilized by our sample except those in the clinic. An 18-item questionnaire was developed and distributed to the participants. Results from the data implied that it was more …

Effects Of Ankle Foot Orthosis Application On Standing Balance In The Elderly, Jeralyn J. Gray, Tammy L. Krueger, Denise K. Krynicki

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to quantify changes in balance as measured by the Balance Master{dollar}\sp\circler{dollar}as a result of ankle foot orthoses (AFO) application to a sample population. Data from trials with AFO and without AFO were obtained from six men and twelve women ages 65-79. Paired T-tests were used to analyze data for areas of significance. Significant areas included rhythmic weight shifting (right/left), limits of stability (LOS) forward direction, LOS right forward direction, and LOS backward direction with p values ranging from p = 0.0048 to p = 0.0451. AFO application may have altered the range of motion …

Physical Therapists' Knowledge And Perceptions Of Patient Care Team Meeting Styles In The Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting, Neisha Dickman, Christine Ritsema, Brenda Warner

Masters Theses

This study was designed to analyze what types of team meetings are being utilized for patient care in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. It was also designed to look at physical therapists' knowledge of the criteria that differentiates the interdisciplinary team approach from the multidisciplinary team approach. A perceptual questionnaire was sent to physical therapists involved in the inpatient rehabilitation setting in the State of Michigan. Only 1.7% of the physical therapists are involved in a true interdisciplinary team. The other respondents reported that their teams have some characteristics of both the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary team approach. However, when asked what …

The Psychological Types Of Physical Therapy Administrators, Heather Despres, Kelly Myers, Sue Woods

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to describe the distribution of psychological types among physical therapy administrators. Our random sample was taken from the membership roster of the Section on Administration of the American Physical Therapy Association. We used the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to assess psychological types and a demographic questionnaire to collect data on the administrators.; The most common psychological types among the participants (n = 45) were found to be ISFJ, ESFJ, ISTJ, INTJ, and ENTJ, respectively. Although no explicitly predominant type was found, a clear preference toward judging (J) was noted.